Ruturaj Gaikwad, the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, recently shared insights into his leadership approach, influenced by the wisdom of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni. Gaikwad, who captained Maharashtra in domestic cricket, has been named vice-captain for the Ireland series and will also lead the side in the upcoming Asian Games in China.
Gaikwad described leadership as a complex responsibility and emphasized the importance of staying focused on the present rather than being overwhelmed by future expectations. Drawing from the guidance of MS Dhoni, he stressed the value of taking one game at a time and remaining unaffected by external opinions and social media chatter.
“The leadership role is quite intricate, to be honest. Mahi bhai’s advice to me has always been to focus on one game at a time and stay in the present moment. It’s about not worrying about the future. Despite all the hype and noise around, I’m not someone who pays much attention to social media or outside opinions,” Ruturaj expressed during a post-match press conference.
Gaikwad also elaborated on his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of instilling confidence in the players on the field and empathizing with their perspectives. He believes that as a leader, it’s crucial to step into their shoes and understand their thoughts and feelings. Gaikwad believes in providing freedom to his teammates, allowing them to back themselves and avoid overloading them with excessive suggestions that could lead to confusion.
“When leading, my focus is on boosting the confidence of the players who are on the field. I try to understand their thought processes and concerns. Batters and bowlers have their own strategies during the game, and it’s important to support them in those moments. After the match, we can analyze and discuss improvements. But during the game, it’s about giving them the freedom to perform,” he added.
Reflecting on his own batting approach, Gaikwad highlighted the advantage of being an opener and having the luxury to gauge the pitch conditions before playing more aggressively. He acknowledged the importance of staying at the crease for a longer duration, especially on slower wickets, to guide the team to a competitive total.
As India secured a win against Ireland in the second T20I, Gaikwad expressed the significance of the series to him, acknowledging the confidence and preparation that come from playing in every match. He also discussed the mixed emotions of balancing individual performance and team dynamics when competing for a spot in the main team.
Ruturaj Gaikwad continues to draw inspiration from his experiences and the mentorship of MS Dhoni, applying valuable lessons of leadership and focus on the present moment in his cricketing journey.
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-IANS
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